A synthetic food dye, Red 3, recently banned from the U.S. food supply, remains permitted in Canada. Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision, Health Canada maintains that Red 3 does not pose a health risk to the general population.
This position makes Canada an outlier, as Red 3 is also restricted in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
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The Debate Over Red 3’s Safety
Health Canada’s Stance
Health Canada asserts that available scientific evidence does not support claims that Red 3 endangers human health. A 2018 safety review by a joint committee of the United Nations and World Health Organization (UN/WHO) concluded there were no safety concerns regarding its use as a food additive.
Health Canada has stated that if new data demonstrates a human health risk, it would take immediate action, including banning the dye.
U.S. FDA’s Position
The FDA banned Red 3 after studies found it caused cancer in lab rats through a mechanism not present in humans. However, a legal provision in the U.S. requires banning any additive shown to cause cancer in animals.
The dye, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is primarily used in candies, cakes, cookies, and frostings to achieve a bright, cherry-red color.
Expert Opinions on Red 3 and Synthetic Dyes
Concerns from Canadian Scientists
Dr. Waliul Khan, a pathology and molecular medicine professor at McMaster University, believes animal studies highlighting potential risks warrant caution. While effects in rats don’t always translate to humans, he suggests avoiding synthetic additives like Red 3 when natural alternatives are available.
Khan also advocates for warning labels on foods containing synthetic dyes, including Red 40 (Allura Red). His 2022 study revealed long-term consumption of Red 40 could trigger inflammatory bowel diseases in mice.
“When we gave it continuously to a mouse for 12 weeks, it caused harmful effects in the gut and increased the severity of colitis. But occasional exposure showed minimal effects,” said Khan.
Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes
Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, agrees that Red 3 poses little risk to humans based on current evidence. However, he supports banning it due to its lack of nutritional value and its role in making ultra-processed foods more appealing.
“There are plenty of natural alternatives, like beet juice extract and anthocyanins from berries, that don’t carry toxicity concerns,” Schwarcz noted.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Recent studies by University of Guelph researchers revealed that some synthetic dyes break down in the gut, potentially producing toxic byproducts. Microbiologist Emma Allen-Vercoe emphasized the need for updated regulations considering how these compounds are metabolized.
Khan echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of funding further research to evaluate synthetic dyes. He also highlighted the challenges of conducting large-scale human trials due to ethical and financial constraints.
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Red 3 in Cosmetics: A Different Standard
In addition to food, Canada permits Red 3 in cosmetics, unlike the U.S., which banned it from makeup in 1990. Schwarcz attributes this discrepancy to differences in regulatory systems, stating, “There is no evidence that Red 3 is a danger in cosmetics.”
The Future of Red 3 in Canada
For now, Health Canada stands by its decision, stating that evidence does not support banning Red 3. However, it has promised to monitor new scientific data and take action if risks to human health emerge.
As consumer awareness grows, the spotlight on synthetic dyes like Red 3 and Red 40 may encourage further scrutiny and changes in regulations.
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